Who you gonna call, the CITC or the CITB? - The Long and the Short of it!
Over the years we have realised that many people are confused about the roles of the CITC (Construction Industry Training Centre) and the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). This article should provide you with a few quick answers and hopefully point you in the right direction if you need any more details.
In a nutshell what does the CITB do?
The CITB collects the levy for the Construction Industry Training Fund (CITF) Act 1993. This money is then used to fund subsidised training by approved training providers for eligible South Australian construction industry workers. To receive the subsidised prices each individual student need to apply for a CITB Eligible Worker Number.
For more information about the CITF click on this link: http://www.citb.org.au/levy/faq.asp
And now the Long and the Short answers to the questions our staff are most frequently asked…
How do I apply for a number?
The Short - Use the CITB Website or call them to get the ball rolling.
The Long - You will need to fill in an application form. You can go to the CITB website and have an answer within days (Recommended - Quick!). Or you can call the CITB, get them to mail or fax a form to you to complete, then send it back to them and wait for them to enter the data in for you.
If you would like to apply online for your CITB number, please click Here
Does having the Greencard give me the CITB subsidy?
The Short
-No.
The Long - The Greencard or (Greencard II) is a basic OH&S induction course for the South Australian construction industry, so while you are likely to be eligible for the subsidy if you have a South Australian Greencard, you will still have to apply to the CITB for your Eligible Worker number.
Can I do a CITC course without the number?
The Short
- Yes
The Long
- We regularly book people on to courses who do not work in the construction industry or who do but have not organised their CITB numbers. But we cannot book people on at the CITB subsidised rate unless we are given the number at the time of booking.
Is my training number the same as my company's CITB Levy Number?
The Short - No
The Long
- The Levy number that is issued to relevant companies does not cover their employees' training subsidies. Each CITB eligible worker will receive an individual number.
For more information about the CITF Levy click Here.
What are the criteria for getting a CITB number?
The Short
- SA Resident, construction industry, employed
The Long
- You will need to provide proof that all three of the above criteria are met.
For more information, follow this link to the CITB's website: http://www.citb.org.au/
I am an Employer, how do I get numbers for all of my employees?
The Short
- Apply!
The Long
- Go to the CITB's website homepage, on the far right of the screen it has a link saying 'Apply for CITB Number', fill out the questionnaire for each employee, wait for the CITB to determine whether or not your employees are eligible. Or you can call the CITB and ask to be sent the forms and get your employees to fill them in themselves.
Are the CITC and the CITB a part of the same company?
The Short
- No.
The Long
- We are entirely separate entities and are only connected by our business dealings.
Why do I have to give the CITC my CITB number now when I've always received the subsidy in the past without having the number?
The Short
- New Rules!
The Long - Quite simply, the CITB will not give us a subsidy for your training without you having a valid CITB number. This ruling came into effect in July 2003.
What if I get a CITB number after or during my course and I've been charged the full price, will I get a refund?
The Short
- Possibly
The Long
- If you receive your CITB number and you are still doing the course simply call our office and we will amend your invoice. If you receive your CITB number after your course has finished you will need to a) contact us within 30 days of completing the course, b) have been eligible at the time you started the course.
Does my CFMEU membership give me the subsidy?
The Short
- No
The Long
- All people who want the subsidy must apply to the CITB directly. Many members of the CFMEU do not work in the construction industry (those working in forestry, mining etc will not necessarily be eligible) they are not likely to be eligible for the CITB subsidy.
CITB ID Number, CITB Card, Subsidy Number, Eligible Worker Number etc, etc, are these all the same thing?
The Short
- Yes!
The Long
- See above.
I hope this has cleared up a few things, if you're still confused give our office a call and we will try our best to help you!
This article is simply a guideline. For full details of the CITB's policies for funding eligible workers, please contact them directly on 8172 9500 or visit their website: http://www.citb.org.au
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I like work: it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours.
-- Jerome K Jerome
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Steel Framing
Did you know that steel frame systems are used in over 30% of newly built homes in South Australia? Not only is steel framing termite and wet and dry rot resistant whilst still being pesticide and chemical free, it is also fire resistant and maintains a zero shrinkage factor and is quicker and more economical to erect than traditional methods in most cases! When you consider the benefits of steel frame buildings it is not hard to see why its popularity is growing.
The CITC's Steel Framing courses run throughout the year, starting with the Steel Framing for House Building course and going through to Two Storey, Sloping Site and Commercial Steel Framing courses. These courses are designed for people who have experience in the construction industry who are keen to learn new skills to aid them in their careers. We also run Steel Framing for Inspectors courses that have been designed for surveyors, site managers and engineers who may not have any steel framing experience, to enable them to oversee the work of steel framers on their sites.
Our Trainer, Howard Montgomery, keeps the number of students on his courses between 8 and 12 people to ensure the highest standard of training for each individual participant. Our website has further information regarding the prerequisites and duration of each steel framing course.
If you have any questions or you would like to book on to a course, please call Howard Montgomery directly on 0411 473 814
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Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. -- Albert Einstein
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Safe Work at Heights
Workplace safety authorities in every state and territory have joined forces for the first time to target the biggest killer on Australian construction sites - falls from heights.
During a six week period earlier this year at least 800 housing and small commercial construction sites around Australia were inspected to check on how builders are managing work at heights and to take the necessary enforcement action wherever dangerous practices are found.
In South Australia, Workplace Services Executive Director, Michele Patterson said, 'There is no excuse for exposing workers to this risk. Every employer has a legal duty to ensure that any worker required to work at heights can do so safely and without risk to their health."
'Inspectors will also be on the lookout for outstanding examples of best practice and innovative solutions to fall hazards, so we can promote these ideas throughout the industry, right around Australia.' she said.
The CITC runs Safe Working at Heights courses, as well as related courses such as Elevated Work Platform and Yellowcard at various times throughout the year. The Safe Working at Heights and Elevated Work Platform courses each take one day and the Yellowcard course is 4 hours long.
If you would like any more information or you would like to make a booking either call our office or click Here
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During 2003, 18 workers fell to their deaths on Australian construction sites and many more suffered serious injuries as a result of a fall.
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Upcoming Courses
The end of the year is fast approaching and it may be the last opportunity for you to attend some courses until 2005. In November we are offering Safe Working at Heights and Yellowcard (Scissorlift) courses to the public. Usually these courses are only held for company group bookings. The Safe Working at Heights course will be held on the 19th of November and the Yellowcard will be held on the 18th of November. These courses are expected to fill quickly and bookings will be essential. As always there are too many courses to list here, if you are interested either check our website for availability, call our office on 8443 6633, or email us at: info@citc.com.au
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Every student who participates in a CITC training course is asked to give us feedback by filling in one of our Course Evaluation Forms. Among the many helpful pieces of advice that we receive, we occasionally get a gem. This one came from a Safe Working at Heights course that Trevor Pomeroy ran in Port Pirie earlier this year and has earned a place as Evaluation Comment of the Month,
"You can teach an old dog new tricks - Great Course!"
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I bet on a horse at ten-to-one. It didn't come in until half-past five. ~Henny Youngman
